Israel-Gaza updates: Biden speaks with Netanyahu about hostages' release, Gaza humanitarian assistance

The hostages are two elderly women who are both Israeli nationals.

ByABC NEWS
Last Updated: October 23, 2023, 4:29 PM EDT

Thousands of people have died and thousands more were injured after the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel retaliated with a bombing campaign and total siege of the neighboring Gaza Strip, leaving the region on the verge of all-out war.

At least 1,400 people have died and 4,629 others have been injured in Israel, according to Israeli authorities. In Gaza, 5,087 people have died and 15,273 have been wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Authority.

Aid workers and officials fear that Israel's call for an evacuation of the northern part of Gaza is precipitating a humanitarian disaster as electricity and other supplies have been cut off in preparation for what appears to be an imminent ground offensive.

Humanitarian groups have urged Israel to call off the evacuation and agree to a cease-fire, even as the country has asserted a right to defend itself -- a right the United States endorses.

Click here for previous updates.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Oct 23, 2023, 8:33 AM EDT

Cousins of freed American hostages speak out

Ayelet and Or Sella recalled to ABC News the moment they were finally able to embrace their cousins Judith and Natalie Raanan at home in Israel one day after the mother and teenage daughter were released by Hamas kidnappers.

"I realized I hadn't breathed for two weeks," Ayelet said.

Judith Raanan and Natalie Raanan in a handout photo.
Courtesy Raanan Family

"I've never felt a hug this intense in my life," Or added.

But eight of their family members are still being held hostage.

Click here to read more.

Thirteen members of one family were kidnapped or killed on Oct. 7 in a coordinated attack by Hamas but Americans Judith and Natalie Raanan were released by Hamas over the weekend.
3:24
Family of freed American hostages speak outThirteen members of one family were kidnapped or killed on Oct. 7 in a coordinated attack by Hamas but Americans Judith and Natalie Raanan were released by Hamas over the weekend.
ABCNews.com

Oct 23, 2023, 7:00 AM EDT

Hundreds of Gaza targets struck overnight, Israel says

The Israeli military struck more than 320 targets in Gaza overnight, the Israel Defense Forces said Monday.

A picture taken from the southern Israeli city of Sderot shows rockets fired towards Israel from the Gaza Strip on Oct. 23, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group.
Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

At least 40 people were killed and dozens more were injured in two Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza, the Palestinian Interior Ministry said.

A picture taken from the southern Israeli city of Sderot on October 23, 2023, shows smoke ascending over the northern Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images

The Jabalia refugee camp, where most of those killed were women and children, was among the targets, Palestinian officials said.

-ABC News' Joe Simonetti

Oct 23, 2023, 4:49 AM EDT

Hamas hostages total 222, Israel says

At least 222 hostages have been taken by Hamas since their attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the Israeli military said Monday.

Israeli supports show placards with the faces and names of people believed to be taken hostage and held in Gaza, during a protest in Trafalgar Square, London, Oct. 22, 2023.
Frank Augstein/AP

The increase from the previously stated total of 212 includes foreign nationals, whose status took longer to verify, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson said.

-ABC News’ Joe Simonetti and Jordana Miller

Oct 22, 2023, 8:15 PM EDT

Biden speaks with Western leaders over Israel

President Joe Biden convened a call Sunday afternoon with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas, according to the White House.

The Western leaders "reiterated their support" for Israel and its “right to defend itself” and "called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians,” according to a readout from the White House.

"The leaders committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace," the readout also said.

-ABC News' Cheyenne Haslett

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